88R28748 TBO-D
By: Turner H.R. No. 1609
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Bell flight company won the U.S. Army contract to
manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the Future Long-Range
Assault Aircraft program; and
WHEREAS, A subsidiary of Textron Inc., Bell has developed and
manufactured aircraft for more than 85 years; headquartered in Fort
Worth, the firm serves countries around the globe; and
WHEREAS, Bell began developing and testing the V-280 Valor
tiltrotor as part of the Pentagon's Joint Multi-Role Technology
Demonstrator program in 2013; the aircraft features a number of
innovative technologies, including mission equipment designed for
challenging visual environments, an updated tactical common data
link, and onboard sensors; in addition, it boasts exceptional range
capabilities and strategic lift deployment options as well as
improved flight performance and lifecycle sustainability; and
WHEREAS, The V-280 Valor was designed for long-range assault,
utility, medical evacuation, and disaster relief missions; during
testing, the aircraft achieved a maximum forward speed of 305 knots
and demonstrated a combat range of 500 to 800 nautical miles, a
self-deployment range of some 1,700 nautical miles, low-speed
agility, and rapid mission systems integration; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Army selected Bell's V-280 Valor to replace
its fleet of Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters; the initial
prototype of the V-280 will be delivered to the army by 2025, and
the first production aircraft are expected to be operational by
2030; the entire program is estimated to have a value up to $80
billion; and
WHEREAS, Bell has long been at the forefront of aircraft
development, and the company's V-280 Valor tiltrotor is sure to
benefit the U.S. Army and contribute to our nation's defense for
many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Bell flight company on winning the
U.S. Army contract to manufacture the V-280 Valor tiltrotor for the
Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program and extend to all those
associated with the firm sincere best wishes for continued success;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Bell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
of Representatives.